NCL statement on House hearing on Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010

Washington, DC—In advance of the House of Representatives upcoming hearing on Thursday June 27, titled "School Meal Regulations: Discussing the Costs and Consequences for Schools and Students,” the National Consumers League (NCL) has issued the following statement reaffirming its support for The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA). The following can be attributed to Sally Greenberg, NCL Executive Director.

“‘The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act’ mandates nutritious meals for our school children and provides increased funding to schools to make those meals possible. The act also fits nicely with first lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative, which is working to end childhood obesity in America. Though the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is merely fulfilling its congressional mandate, many have called these regulations misguided, pointing to instances in which high school students protest the introduction of healthier meals. Focusing on a few incidents obscures the Act's importance to the overall health and welfare of our children. These science-based nutritional guidelines, which increase the amounts of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in school meals, work to improve the well-being of our school-aged kids, helping promote healthier physical development and higher academic performance. For all these reasons, NCL reaffirms its support for The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act and will continue to work to support USDA in its moves towards full implementation.”

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About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America's pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.